CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The Visiting International Faculty Program has recognized 16 of its visiting exchange teachers with 2009 International Educator of the Year awards.

Two Lancaster County School District teachers were honored with the awards.

Chosen from among more than 70 nominees in six states, these educators work every day to create opportunities for their students to explore other cultures and countries, master new languages, and discuss and contribute to solutions for global challenges.

As her tour group moved quickly through the ornate rooms of the Hollywood Beach railcar, HeeJong Park made sure to take a few pictures along the way.

With her digital camera in hand, Park snapped photos throughout the luxury railcar, from the dining car to the cabins to the glass-ceiling sun room. The train, which was one of two deluxe charter trains parked at Lancaster’s L&C Railway, was just a stop along the way for Park and the rest of her tour group.

ROCK HILL - Lancaster native Zachary Blum was one of two Winthrop University students recognized with the American Legion Award during the 2009 Student Life Awards Ceremony on Thursday.

The award is presented annually to graduating students who display outstanding courage, companionship, character, service and scholarship.

Blum, a political science major, has volunteered to help children who are financially or physically challenged, raised money for numerous worthy causes, tutored fourth-graders and worked with Habitat for Humanity for nine years.